Myn Bala: Warriors of the Steppe

The story tells of a time, long after the Mongol Empire had retreated back to their homeland, leaving behind the many tribal clans they had brought with them when they moved west to conquer and the continual clan rivalry that existed there for centuries but before the coming of Soviet Russia and of Kazakhstan’s eventual bid for independence when the Soviet Union dissolved. Primitive black powder rifles were in use but the lance and the bow and the sword were still the predominant weapons on the battle field and war was still being fought much like Genghis Khan had taught them.The story also has a personal tale to tell, about a young man whose clan was destroyed and of the band of loyal misfits and heroes that gathered about him for protection. It is a tale not unlike the personal history of Genghis Khan, himself. It will possibly serve as the national epic of Kazakhstan on film.I was greatly impressed with all of the production values of this film. First, the cinematography was excellent, stunning, bringing to the screen the feel of the far expanse of the steppes surrounded by lofty mountains all around. The costuming was precise and exact in every detail. Nothing was spared to make this film believable. There was even a department dedicated just to the aging of the leather costumes. The tale brought forth a depth of Kazakh culture and lifestyle that I have not seen in any previous movie, before. The music was authentically Mongol and as such was haunting and appropriate every time. The only complaint I have concerns the subtitle and translations. I suspect that the actors were saying great and moving things but the translations provided were tame and boring, robbing each scene of the intensity I am sure the actors were trying to portray. Also, the subtitles move just a little too fast for me. I don’t know much about the Kazakh school of acting but I liked these young and old actors who seemed comfortable in their parts and were able to convey their characters professionally and most important, believably. All in all, a good film I would recommend to those who are tired of the usual foreign film trying too hard to look like a Hollywood production. This film was Kazakh made, Kazakh told and Kazakh acted and if this is the level of film making coming out of the Republic of Kazakhstan, then I think we are all in for a treat in the future.

The story is much like Red Dawn: a small band of teenagers saves their nation from an invading super-power.Very well made, e.g., the acting, casting, settings and costumes were really impressive. The story was good, but often implausible and somewhat formulaic.I was surprised to see a feminist influence in a Kazakhstan movie. There was a female "warrior", and her strength equaled or excelled the men's--a feminist delusion that only exists in movies.The landscape scenes and horsemanship were wonderful.Overall, a nice Friday-night movie.

I ordered this and started to watch it and after 1 min turned it off. Not only was it subtitled which I didn't see mentioned in the ad but the subtitles went by so fast you couldn't read them. I was excited to watch it because it was what I liked but what completely disappointed. I'd rather watch it with the mouths not matching the words than what I found in this presentation. Very disappointed!

Local production out of Kazakhstan. The pluses are the film is made on location, so the scenes of the steppes are authentic,, along with the adjacent mountains. Absolutely breathtaking and Alpine. The narrative structure is strong, keeping the story flowing smoothly. The actors are all native Kazakhs, portraying what must be an accurate visual image of life in the time of warring Mongol tribesmen, complete with yurts, village scenes and epic battles without any evident cgi. ON the other side, as might be expected from a local production, character development and plot continuity are sufficient but not necessarily well developed. Therefore, scenes depicting grief are contained in single instances of loud crying, or heaving rocks as a sign of frustration. Otherwise, the movie was valuable if only to see the faces of those who inhabit this remote region of the earth, in native dress and style, from a time when fabled horsemen rode their durable ponies over endless steppes and ultimately helped shape the destiny of the world.

Great movie. Excellent story well done. Unlike many foreign films, the subtitles were also well done. Great look at some history and way of life in a part of the world many of us have had little or no exposure to. My wife and both enjoyed the story. If I had one complaint, it would be about the subtitles. The wording was well done but often the yellow script would just sort of disappear into the background scenery and be difficult to read.I highly recommend this film.

Movie was OK BUT same issue as previous Movie, quit in the Middle of it saying needed to download data. Will be canceling our subscription to Amazon Prime, not worth it at all. Not worth having it for FREE